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Dispersed Camping

Three Creeks Conservation Area

About

Bureau of Land Management

Walk-in primitive camping is allowed year round except during modern firearms deer season. During modern firearm deer season, hunters may camp along roads and around parking lots. Camping along roads and in-and-around parking lots is otherwise prohibited. Groups of more than 10 campers require a special use permit.

Three Creeks Conservation Area is in Boone County (halfway between Columbia and Ashland). The area takes its name from the three creeks that run through the area: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek, and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations, and old eastern red cedar trees. Three Creeks Conservation Area was considered for purchase as a result of substantial public input and interest in protecting the general Three Creeks area from further urban development, which would destroy its appearance and natural features. Moreover, Three Creeks Conservation Area was acquired to maintain and manage representative plant and animal communities and to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities in an urbanizing region of central Missouri. Much of the land in the general area was purchased by freed slaves following the Civil War. Generally, the tracts were small (usually 40 or 80 acre parcels). Land which could be seeded to pasture for grazing or plowed with a horse was farmed into the 1930's when many families could no longer support themselves on the small tracts of land. Many had to sell their property due to the economic conditions during the Depression. The reduction in the number of landowners has continued up to the present time. Seven identifiable house sites have been located on the initial 685 acres.

Location

Three Creeks Conservation Area is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Columbia, take Highway 63 south 5 miles, then Deer Park Road west 1.75 miles.

Coordinates

38.848210692567704 N
92.28133949459715 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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2.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2022

Beautiful Area. Camping Area Hard to Find

My kids and I love this area. It's absolutely beautiful - especially in the fall! It can be very muddy but.... what do you expect with all the water? Great for hiking!

My only real gripe so far is I can't figure out where you can camp for the life of me. Their website says you can but I don't see it marked anywhere and I see people on here mentioning you can't at all, right now. I'll head back out there soon and report back.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2021

Couldn’t find the campground

There was no signage and Google and Apple Maps couldn’t get us there. When we found the trailhead there was no designated camping spot on the maps. I

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2020

Three creeks

This place was very very disappointing for camping. Very very little spots available for tent camping and a very dilapidated 5th wheel was parked at the end. You have to go down some very back roads onto a private lane to get to this parking area. There is a very shotty sign pointing the way, otherwise you end up in someone's front gated entrance. Trails were over grown and definitely needed some maintenance. Did not spend the night.

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

Easy Roadtrip Stop

An easy and beautiful spot to camp for free near I-70. About 15 minutes of a stunning drive away from the interstate. Plenty of sites, lots, and places to rest for the night. All free and secluded! The particular spot we stayed at was about a two minute walk from the parking lot, which was nice given we were just staying for the night while driving across the county. Camping spots are distant, clean, large, and quaint. We as two young women felt extremely safe. Following the trails down, there are plenty of access points to creeks to purify water! Pretty views along the trails as well.

  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Ruby W., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Ruby W., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Ruby W., June 23, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

Roadtrip Getaway

My sister and I were on a road trip to Utah and our friend recommended this cute little spot! The trail is a little over grown - but the primitive campsites are nice and clean. Easy to get to from the highway and you can camp just off the trail - not too far or a hike in. There are other spots along the trail that are vibey. You can get a few glimpses of some nice views between the trees along the trail down to the creek. Rocky natural stone steps take you down to the wide rocky creek. Almost deep enough for a swim! A local said that there are swimming holes up / down the stream. Overall all perfect for some peace and quiet off the road.

  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Lucille W., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Lucille W., June 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Creeks Conservation Area by Lucille W., June 23, 2020
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Three Creeks Conservation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Three Creeks Conservation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Three Creeks Conservation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Three Creeks Conservation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Three Creeks Conservation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.